During the meeting, the committee engaged in a detailed examination of the two frontrunner locations for the senior center. Maynard Crossing offers approximately 6,000 square feet, while Mill and Main provides a larger space of 7,400 square feet. However, deliberations extended beyond square footage to the financial responsibilities associated with each space. Renting at Mill and Main sparked a debate due to its complex financial structure, which includes five months of free rent followed by monthly payments ranging from $135 to $149.850. The financial discussions also touched on the importance of ADA compliance, with concerns raised about the cost implications of installing an elevator at Mill and Main to meet these requirements. Moreover, the potential for sharing space with the Historical Society was considered as a strategy to mitigate costs.

The financial aspect of the senior center project was a focal point, with committee members discussing funding applications and the drafting of a warrant article that could lead to an override vote to cover leasing costs. The urgency of these financial considerations was underscored by the impending deadline for warrant article finalization. The committee analyzed various funding sources for fit-out costs, which include grants, donations, reserve funds, and the possibility of an increase in the property owner’s allowance for these expenses. Questions also arose regarding whether fit-out costs could be classified as capital expenses for a leased property and whether a bond could be issued for such costs, with the mention of using free cash as another option.

Another topic of the meeting was the logistics of a site visit to the Mill and Main complex. The committee discussed the necessity of involving all members in the visit and the potential of posting it as a public meeting, weighing the disturbances it might cause to existing tenants, such as a doctor’s office located within the complex. Additionally, there was talk of an exemption from open meeting laws specifically for inspection purposes. Support from Natasha of the school committee was noted, reflecting cross-committee collaboration and interest in the project.

The committee’s discussions on the leasing and fit-out costs of potential senior center spaces reflect the complexities of managing a public project that involves multiple stakeholders, regulatory considerations, and financial constraints.